Former Notre Dame Football Player and Harvard Business School Graduate Cavan James Finigan Identified as Victim in Fatal NYC Train Incident

New York, NY — Cavan James Finigan—Notre Dame Fighting Irish football alumnus, Harvard Business School graduate, and founder of Badlands Security—has been identified as the individual who died earlier this week after being struck by a Metro-North train in the Bronx.

Finigan, widely respected in both the Boston and Milton, Massachusetts, communities, was admired not only for his professional accomplishments but also for the meaningful and lasting impact he had on those who knew him.

A Career Marked by Leadership and Innovation

As the founder and CEO of Badlands Security, Finigan built a reputation for advancing modern protective services and risk-management strategies. Colleagues and clients often described him as exceptionally driven, principled, and unwavering in his pursuit of excellence.

His professional path was supported by a strong academic background. Finigan earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Notre Dame, where he also played for the Fighting Irish football program. He later completed his MBA at Harvard Business School, sharpening the leadership and strategic skills that would guide his entrepreneurial success.

A Devoted Husband  to Mary Kate Holmes and Beloved Friend

Outside of his career, Finigan was cherished by family and friends for his warmth, integrity, and loyalty. He married Mary Kate Holmes in 2024, following more than four years together. Those close to the couple describe their relationship as loving, supportive, and grounded in shared values and ambition.

As of this publication, no public statement from Mary Kate has been released.

Details of the Incident

Emergency responders were dispatched to the Fordham Metro-North Station at 397 East Fordham Road after reports of a person struck by a train. Crews responded under EMS Box 3370, with first responders working urgently to assist. Finigan, however, died at the scene.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, and no conclusions have yet been shared regarding how Finigan came to be on the tracks.

Communities in Mourning

News of Finigan’s death has reverberated across New York, Massachusetts, and the wider Notre Dame community. Former teammates, classmates, and colleagues have posted tributes recalling his leadership, generosity, and the steady, encouraging presence he brought to every environment.

Many describe him as a natural leader—confident yet compassionate—whose influence strengthened teams and forged lifelong friendships.

Support Resources

With the investigation ongoing and out of respect for Finigan’s family, authorities have not released additional details.

If you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing emotional distress, support is available 24/7 through the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.